The decision follows years of heavy spending on virtual reality. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which builds VR headsets and smart glasses, has lost nearly $80 billion since 2020.

Last month, the company cut about 1,500 jobs in the unit, roughly 10% of its workforce. It also closed several VR game studios.

Supernatural, the VR fitness app Meta bought in 2023, will stop producing new content and move into maintenance mode.

Horizon Worlds launched in 2021 as a virtual reality social platform. It later expanded to the web and mobile. Now the company is narrowing its focus.

“To truly change the game and tap into a much larger market, we’re going all-in on mobile,” Samantha Ryan, vice president of Content at Reality Labs, wrote.

In shifting to mobile, Meta is placing Horizon Worlds in more direct competition with platforms such as Roblox and Fortnite, which already reach large audiences on phones.

Ryan said, “We’re in a strong position to deliver synchronous social games at scale, thanks to our unique ability to connect those games with billions of people on the world’s biggest social networks. You saw this strategy start to unfold in 2025, and now, it’s our main focus.”

At the same time, the company said it is not leaving virtual reality hardware. Ryan added, “We have a robust roadmap of future VR headsets that will be tailored to different audience segments as the market grows and matures.”

Meta said it will clearly separate its Quest VR platform from Horizon Worlds so each can grow independently. It plans to concentrate its VR focus on supporting third-party developers rather than expanding its own first-party studios.

According to the company, 86% of the time people spend in their VR headsets goes to third-party apps.

In 2025, Meta invested nearly $150 million in VR developer programmes, including its Start Developer Competition. It reported that in-app purchases on Quest rose 13% year on year.

Meta Horizon+ passed one million active subscribers in 2025 and now offers more than 100 games.

However, company executives admit the wider VR market has grown more slowly than expected. During last month’s earnings call, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said, “It’s hard to imagine a world in several years where most glasses that people wear aren’t AI glasses.”

He added that sales of Meta’s glasses tripled over the past year and described them as “some of the fastest-growing consumer electronics in history.”

Internally, Meta has also adjusted how developers publish and sell content. It will remove individual worlds from the VR store shelves and separate worlds from the mobile app store listing.

The company said this should increase visibility for apps. It has introduced tools such as season passes, featured bundles and a “Deals” tab to improve sales and discovery.

On mobile, Meta reported growth in creator activity, noting that mobile-only worlds increased from zero to more than 2,000 in 2025. Four creators have earned more than $1 million in lifetime revenue, while nearly 100 earned six figures last year.

Meta is now putting most of its focus into building Horizon Worlds for phones while keeping its VR hardware plans in place. The company said it will do fewer projects at once and concentrate on areas it believes can grow faster.

The layoffs hit the heart of Meta’s VR gaming. Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games and Armature Studio are being closed, bringing an end to teams behind titles linked to Deadpool, Asgard’s Wrath and the VR version of Resident Evil 4. 

Work on new features and content for the Supernatural fitness app has also been stopped, although the app itself will continue to run in its current form.

This looks like a retreat as Reality Labs has lost more than $70bn since 2021, driven by heavy spending on headsets, software and in-house studios that failed to reach a mass audience. 

The latest round of cuts affects more than 1,000 roles and removes roughly one in ten staff from the division.

Several projects that never reached the public are also being scrapped. Among them are a virtual reality Harry Potter title reportedly in development and scaled-back work at Camouflaj, the studio behind Batman: Arkham Shadow. These decisions reveal how much Meta is narrowing its focus, away from the VR game studios, among other areas.

VR gaming, once described as an important pillar of the metaverse, is no longer at the centre of the plan. The company is redirecting money and talent towards artificial intelligence and augmented reality hardware, with particular emphasis on its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. 

Mark Zuckerberg has described these devices as a more realistic path to growth than fully immersive virtual worlds.

The transition is also changing how Meta courts developers. Instead of funding expensive, VR-only titles, the company is encouraging creators from platforms such as Roblox to build lighter, mobile-friendly experiences for Horizon Worlds. 

It is a move away from grand, hardware-heavy ideas towards products that can scale faster and cost less.

The metaverse vision is not gone, but it is being changed to be cheaper, and far less dependent on blockbuster virtual reality games.

These trends are not merely fleeting fads but represent a fundamental shift in how we conceive of work in the digital age. Mobile working has liberated employees from the constraints of a fixed physical location, offering unprecedented flexibility and autonomy.

On the other hand, the emergence of the Metaverse promises to redefine the boundaries of collaboration and engagement, transcending the limitations of physical space.

As we navigate this dynamic landscape, it is crucial to delve deeper into the implications of these trends and their potential to reshape the very essence of work as we know it.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, two significant trends are poised to redefine the concept of work: mobile working and the Metaverse approach.

As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st century, these paradigms offer a glimpse into a future where flexibility and virtuality are at the forefront of professional environments.

The advent of mobile technology has unshackled employees from the traditional confines of the office, granting them the freedom to work from anywhere at any time.

This shift towards mobile working is not merely a trend but a transformation that is reshaping the very fabric of the workplace. It offers a plethora of benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced work-life balance, and a reduction in commuting times and costs.

However, this new freedom comes with its own set of challenges. The blurring lines between personal and professional life can lead to longer working hours and the potential for burnout.

Organisations must navigate these challenges carefully to harness the full potential of mobile working.

The Metaverse, a term that conjures images of vast virtual worlds, is the next frontier in the evolution of work. It promises a future where physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for collaboration and creativity.

In the Metaverse, immersive forms of team collaboration, AI-enabled digital colleagues, and gamified learning experiences are not just possibilities—they are a new reality.

The Metaverse approach could revolutionise training and skills development, offering a more engaging and efficient way to equip the workforce with the necessary tools for the digital age. It also presents an opportunity to reimagine the workplace, creating spaces that inspire and motivate beyond the physical limitations of the traditional office.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, it is clear that mobile working and the Metaverse approach will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of work. Organisations that embrace these changes and adapt to the new digital norms will thrive, while those that resist may find themselves left behind.

The future of work is not just about technology; it’s about the people who use it. By fostering a culture of flexibility, inclusivity, and continuous learning, we can create a work environment that is not only productive but also fulfilling for everyone involved.

For example, a marketing team based in different locations across the globe can seamlessly collaborate on a project using mobile working tools such as Slack and Zoom.

This allows team members to work on their own schedules while still staying connected and productive.

In the Metaverse, a tech company could create a virtual office space where employees can interact with each other through avatars, attend virtual meetings, and collaborate on projects in a simulated environment.

This not only breaks down physical barriers but also fosters creativity and innovation in a whole new way.

Overall, the convergence of mobile working and the Metaverse approach represents a shift towards a more dynamic and interconnected work environment. By embracing these trends, organisations can adapt to the changing demands of the digital age and create a future of work that is both innovative and inspiring.

In conclusion, the convergence of mobile working and the Metaverse approach presents a myriad of opportunities and challenges for the future of work.

As organizations and individuals adapt to these transformative trends, it is essential to explore their deeper implications and consider how they can be leveraged to create a more innovative, inclusive, and fulfilling work environment.

By embracing the principles of flexibility, creativity, and continuous learning, we can harness the full potential of these trends and shape a future where work is not just a task to be completed, but a dynamic and enriching journey of growth and discovery.

The future of work is a journey into uncharted territory, but by embracing change and embracing new possibilities, we can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and optimism.

[Featured Image Credit]

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The metaverse, a collective virtual shared space that is created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality, is poised to revolutionize the way people experience travel and tourism.

With virtual reality technologies advancing at a rapid pace, the potential for virtual travel experiences within the metaverse is expanding.

This has led to significant investment and interest from industry players, indicating the emergence of a new era in tourism.

This article explores the rise of the metaverse in tourism, along with its potential impact and the figures that underscore its growing influence.

The concept of a metaverse, a virtual universe where people can interact with each other and digital environments, has been gaining traction in recent years.

With the advancement of technology, the metaverse has become an increasingly popular destination for people looking to escape the confines of the physical world and explore new places and experiences.

As a result, the tourism industry has also started to take notice of the potential of the metaverse as a new and exciting way for people to travel.

One of the main attractions of the metaverse for tourists is the ability to visit destinations that may be impossible or impractical to see in real life.

Virtual tourism platforms offer users the chance to explore exotic locations, historical landmarks, and even fictional worlds from the comfort of their own homes.

This opens up a whole new world of travel opportunities for people who may be unable to travel for various reasons, such as financial constraints, physical disabilities, or time constraints.

In addition to visiting virtual destinations, the metaverse also provides a unique opportunity for tourists to connect with other travellers from around the world.

Virtual tourism platforms often feature social elements that allow users to meet and interact with other avatars, creating a sense of community and camaraderie that is similar to traditional travel experiences.

This social aspect of the metaverse can be particularly appealing to people who are looking for ways to connect with others and share their travel experiences.

Furthermore, the metaverse also offers exciting possibilities for the tourism industry to promote destinations and experiences in creative and immersive ways.

Virtual travel experiences can be used as marketing tools to showcase the beauty and unique features of different destinations, enticing potential visitors to consider adding them to their travel bucket lists.

Additionally, virtual tourism experiences can also be used to preview real-life destinations, giving potential tourists a taste of what they can expect when they visit in person.

As the metaverse continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that virtual travel experiences will play an increasingly important role in the future of the tourism industry.

While they may never fully replace the thrill of real-life travel, they offer a convenient, accessible, and innovative way for people to explore the world and connect with others.

With the potential for endless creativity and imagination, the rise of the metaverse in tourism represents an exciting new frontier for travellers and industry professionals alike.

As of now, the metaverse is still in its early stages, but it is already making its mark on the tourism industry.

According to a report by Statista, the virtual reality market is expected to reach a value of $22.9 billion by 2024, with a significant portion of this growth driven by virtual tourism experiences. This demonstrates the immense potential for virtual travel within the metaverse.

Several key players in the tech industry are heavily investing in the development of the metaverse. For example, Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms, has announced its plans to invest $10 billion into the development of the metaverse in the coming years.

This significant investment indicates the growing interest and commitment towards the development of virtual environments that can be leveraged for various purposes, including tourism.

Furthermore, virtual tourism platforms and experiences are becoming increasingly popular. For instance, platforms like Second Life, Decentraland, and Sansar are gaining traction as destinations for virtual travel.

These platforms offer users the ability to explore and interact with a wide range of virtual destinations, from realistic cityscapes to fantastical realms.

In terms of user engagement, virtual tourism experiences are also resonating with a broad audience.

According to a report by Greenlight Insights, the number of active virtual reality users is projected to reach 171 million by 2018, indicating a growing interest in immersive virtual experiences.

This growing user base presents a significant opportunity for the tourism industry to leverage virtual travel as a means to reach and engage with potential travellers.

Moreover, the potential reach of virtual tourism is vast, offering the opportunity to showcase destinations to a global audience. Virtual experiences can be easily shared and accessed by people from all corners of the globe, providing an effective way to promote tourism destinations and attractions to a broad and diverse audience.

In conclusion, the rise of the metaverse in tourism is backed by substantial figures, from market projections to investments in technology.

Virtual tourism is gaining momentum and becoming a significant component of the broader travel industry. As technology continues to advance, and as more users engage with virtual experiences, the role of the metaverse in tourism is likely to expand even further in the coming years.

The rise of the metaverse in tourism is not just a futuristic concept but a tangible reality backed by substantial figures.

As virtual reality technologies continue to mature and garner a growing user base, the potential for virtual travel experiences within the metaverse is undeniably significant. The soaring market projections, substantial investments, and increasing user engagement in virtual tourism experiences point to the transformative potential of the metaverse in reshaping the tourism industry.

As the metaverse expands and evolves, it holds the promise of offering travellers immersive, accessible, and diverse virtual travel experiences that can complement traditional tourism and provide a gateway to destinations worldwide. The road ahead for the metaverse in tourism is paved with countless possibilities, presenting both the industry and travellers with an exciting new frontier to explore.

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The Writer, Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is the first Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and the first Professor of African descent to be awarded a Chartered Manager Status.

Ranging from commendable AI developments to space exploration, layoffs, shutdowns and the dynamic metaverse, the year has left us with a wealth of experiences to draw upon as we gaze into the year 2024.

Stars of the Show

Generative AI

Generative AI took the spotlight in 2023, with models like Bard and GPT-4 demonstrating their capabilities in storytelling, music composition, and code generation. OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 and Google’s Imagen shook the world with photorealistic creations, sparking ethical debates on deepfakes and copyright concerns.

SpaceTech Takes Flight

Space exploration reached new heights as SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Shepard captured imaginations worldwide. The James Webb Space Telescope unveiled cosmic wonders, while private companies like Axiom Space set ambitious goals for moon bases, infusing a new development in space travel.

Metaverse Mania

The metaverse continued to enthral, with Meta’s massive investment driving its vision of a digital space. However, concerns about privacy, security, and addiction cast shadows on the metaverse’s future, demanding responsible development.

The Crypto Cauldron

The cryptocurrency market faced challenges in 2023, with the collapse of TerraUSD and the FTX scandal, among other crypto companies, exposing vulnerabilities. Regulatory scrutiny heightened, emphasising the need for a stable and secure crypto landscape.

Layoffs

Layoffs were a phenomenon that held on tight to 2022 and didn’t let go in 2023. With a focus on the global space, tech giants like Meta, GitHub, Spotify, Microsoft Amazon and many more were not left out in this, so imagine how hard the technological and economic impact hit hard, of course, it wasn’t all the fault of an economic downturn. Some reported restructuring as the reason, while others said the department wasn’t needed anymore. 

In Africa, companies like Chipper Cash, Kippa, Twiga Foods, Alerzo, among others also laid off staff due to similar reasons.

Shutdown

Pivo, Dash, 54gene, Bundle Africa, Pillow Nigeria, Vibra and several others, shutdown and several others shutdown operations this year. Some of the news were surprising as funds were raised shortly before the happenings. Regulatory challenges, financial and economic downturn were also the forces behind some of these shutdowns.

Lessons Learned

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

While AI showcased its unique potential, the year revealed the need for responsible development and ethical frameworks. Balancing innovation with safeguards is key to ensuring AI benefits humanity without unintended consequences.

Privacy Paradox

The convenience of technology often comes at the expense of privacy. Striking a balance between innovation and safeguarding personal data requires transparency, control, and robust privacy measures.

Sustainability in the Spotlight

The tech industry’s environmental impact faced scrutiny, urging companies to adopt sustainable practices. From reducing e-waste to minimising carbon footprints, the call for eco-friendly tech solutions was a key highlight.

Layoffs, Shutdowns and Backups 

Always have a backup plan! Overconfidence in your current job can push you underway. Start something for yourself in 2024, you never can tell what’s coming.

When it comes to shutdowns, we could say adequate management is key in every aspect of the business, but policies and regulatory conditions also hit a business hard when not favourable or too many gigantic processes for a business to thrive. These and several other aspects are what a company should put in continuous check.

Fears for 2024

Layoffs and Shutdown Continuous Upheaval 

Let’s start with the layoffs and shutdowns. This is one major fear employees and employers have aptly in their minds right now. It was massive in 2023, what should we expect in 2024? 

Raising funds is not the solution, because there are over a million things that could swallow up a company’s funds. So, pay attention to your management capabilities in every aspect of the business; staff management, regulatory management, among others. 

The Deepfake Deluge

As AI advances, the threat of deepfakes undermining trust and manipulating public opinion grows. Enhanced fact-checking mechanisms and media literacy are essential to combat this evolving challenge.

The Great Algorithm Divide

The digital divide, marked by unequal access to technology, threatens to widen. Addressing this gap requires targeted initiatives and equitable distribution of resources to ensure technology benefits all.

The Cyber Cold War

Geopolitical tensions spilt into the digital sector, with cyberattacks and espionage becoming more commonplace. International cooperation and responsible technology use are essential to prevent cyberwarfare escalation.

Hopes for 2024

AI for Good

Leveraging AI’s power to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and disease presents an optimistic vision. Envision AI-powered robots cleaning oceans and algorithms predicting natural disasters for the betterment of humanity.

Democratisation of Tech

Open-source platforms and accessible tools can empower individuals and communities globally. Envision a world where everyone, regardless of background, contributes to and benefits from the tech revolution.

Human-Centered Tech

Technology should enhance human lives, prioritising well-being and fostering connections. Designing tech solutions with a human-centric approach ensures a positive impact on society.

Nigerian Tech Focus

Nigerian Tech Takes Off

Fintech Flourishes

Nigeria’s fintech scene soared, with companies like PalmPay, Interswitch, Termii, OnePipe, Nomba, Flutterwave, Cowrywise, among others doing exploits in the sector and driving digital payment adoption.

E-commerce Soars

Jumia and Konga fueled the e-commerce growth, with record-breaking transactions during Black Friday 2023.

Local Content Takes Center Stage

“Made in Nigeria” tech initiatives gained traction, with companies like Andela and Ingressive expanding talent pools and training programs.

Global Stars, Nigerian Impact

Generative AI Takes Root

Local startups like Kibo, uLesson, Healthtracka and many others explored AI applications in education, healthcare, and agriculture, contributing to Nigeria’s tech sector.

Lessons Learned for the Nigerian Tech Space

Bridging the Digital Divide

Efforts like the National Broadband Plan aim to connect all Nigerians, ensuring equitable participation in the digital economy.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

Supportive environments for startups, including funding, mentorship, and innovation-friendly regulations, are vital for sustainable growth.

Investing in Local Talent

STEM education, coding bootcamps, and reskilling programs are essential to equip Nigerians with future-proof skills.

Fears for 2024

Cybersecurity Threats

Growing online transactions demand strengthened cybersecurity infrastructure and increased digital literacy to prevent cybercrime.

Data Privacy Concerns

Robust data protection laws and transparency from tech companies are essential to address concerns about privacy and misuse.

Talent Drain

Retaining local talent requires competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and a sense of purpose within the Nigerian tech ecosystem.

Hopes for 2024

Tech for Good

AI-powered solutions in healthcare and innovative uses of tech, like drones for disaster relief, can address social and environmental challenges.

Global Recognition

Increased collaboration with international partners and showcasing local success stories can attract investments and elevate Nigeria’s tech globally.

Inclusive Innovation

Prioritising solutions for marginalised communities ensures a truly inclusive digital future for Nigeria.

The internet holds some incredible possibilities. But let’s face it, in some ways, it’s a downright scary place, with threats seemingly around every corner. Many people have become more savvy about the nature of these hazards and have found ways to balance their enjoyment of the online space with protective measures.

But what happens when the nature of the internet changes? Lately, we’ve seen the first steps toward the metaverse — a virtual space where users interact with one another and businesses through avatars.

This immersive experience could hold some great opportunities, but there are also a range of security concerns that go alongside them. Navigating these issues will be essential to embracing the metaverse in a safe and meaningful way.

Understanding the Threats

The metaverse is a genuinely fascinating concept. Fascinating, but also a bit concerning from a security perspective. This doesn’t necessarily mean people should navigate the metaverse in a constant state of paranoia. Rather, having a good understanding of the likely risks helps you make sensible and measured choices about how you engage with it.

For families and individual users, creating a safe metaverse experience requires an awareness of the potential privacy and security issues. You really must be mindful of identity theft, in which financial or personal information may be stolen directly from an improperly secured avatar. The space could also be rife for social engineering attacks, in which hackers manipulate users to provide access to sensitive data. It’s also possible that, for kids in particular, cyberbullying might be a security threat in this digitally intimate space.

 Among the key protective steps in relation to these threats are:

• Staying educated on methods of metaverse cybercrime.
• Only using metaverse platforms with strong security.
• Maintaining parental controls.

For business owners in the metaverse, the threats may be more complex in nature. Certainly, you’re going to face similar issues to individuals, such as social engineering to gain access to company information.

This may be particularly challenging if criminals deep fake duplicate brand avatars to trick employees into divulging information. When you’re storing consumer and business data in a virtual space, there might also be potential for the direct introduction of ransomware and malware. This puts your metaverse accounts and your company’s wider networks at risk.

As a result, some of the protective steps in relation to these threats may include:

• Establishing avatar verification protocols so that staff and consumers can confirm the credibility of brand avatars.
• Providing regular staff training on new and rising metaverse threats.
• Siloing metaverse accounts from company networks.

Making Behavioral Adjustments

It’s easy to assume that the biggest metaverse risks are other people’s actions or weak protections on the platform. Yes, these things definitely contribute to security. However, some of the biggest hazards and the best protections come from users’ behavior.

Some of the behavior you should consider adopting include:

Build your digital literacy

Everybody is new to the metaverse at some point — that’s unavoidable. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wander around in a lost and vulnerable state. Having an ongoing commitment to good digital literacy is, in many ways, like having a knowledgeable guide to help you safely find your way around the metaverse.

As much as possible, get to know not just how aspects of the metaverse work on the surface, but also how it functions in the background. You don’t have to be an expert, but try to have a working knowledge. This empowers you to better spot when things seem to be amiss and avoid users that aren’t maintaining high security standards.

Place strong boundaries

Just as in the real world, having a good set of personal boundaries in the metaverse is essential for your well-being. Set consistent boundaries around what you’re willing to discuss and what personal information you’re comfortable divulging to new people or businesses you meet in the metaverse. You might even want to place time limits on how long you spend in the space to mitigate your exposure to potential dangers.

Recognizing the Potential of AI

The metaverse has begun to emerge at around the same time as more accessible artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Therefore, AI is likely to become a common part of this virtual space. This is something of a double-edged sword, so it’s worth being aware of the positive and negative potential of AI in the metaverse.

AI could certainly make users more secure, depending on how it’s used. On the one hand, there are AI-driven applications that are designed to combat security threats. Using machine learning (ML) algorithms, these tools can utilize real-time data about behavior on networks, detect patterns that are likely to be associated with cybercrime, and issue alerts to users and businesses accordingly.

AI tools also support strong, yet simple, identity confirmation measures, like passwordless authentication. In these ways, Ai could actually be a powerful protective tool in the metaverse.

On the other hand, the digital “bad guys” are enthusiastically exploring the potential of AI, too. Platforms are being designed to analyze large amounts of data to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in greater numbers of networks.

In the metaverse, this could be used to swiftly target less security-savvy users and businesses. Indeed, increasingly sophisticated chatbots and generative image tools can make convincing deepfakes. Therefore, while it’s fine to be enthusiastic about the potential for AI in this new space, this must be met with reasonable caution in your relationships with it.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on engaging with the metaverse, you need to take the security challenges seriously. Get to know the prevalent threats related to your intended usage and take steps to safeguard against them. Adopting safe behavior is also one of the primary ways to minimize your vulnerability. Be a bit cautious with your relationship to AI in the metaverse, too.

Embrace its potential to detect threats, while also being aware of how criminals use it. As with any online space, you’ll find you get the most out of the metaverse when you use it in a well-informed and responsible way.

[Feature Image Source: Pexels]

The session, themed “The Creator Economy: What Next After Social Media?” hosted industry experts, tech creators, and digital specialists, to a discussion on optimisation of technology to create prosperity whilst highlighting the numerous opportunities for creators to develop alternate sources of income. The lineup of panelists during the session included; Oluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Communications Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Meta; Frank iTom, Creative Director, Frank Itom Creatives; Chinwe Egwin, Chief Economist, Coronation Merchant Bank and Oluwatobi Ayeni (Miss Techy), Tech Creator.

ALSO READ: A Shining Light: Tosin Adefeko’s Story of AT3 Resources at 5

Moderating the session, Tosin Adefeko, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AT3 Resources, said, “Before the advent of the creator economy, many of today’s creators would have been unemployed; creators for many years just engaged in their passions; now people can unlock their creative potential and give it value. As the country seeks to diversify its economy away from the dependency on oil revenues, we are simply excited to be able to bring this conversation to the frontburner at AfricaNXT 2023”.

Speaking during the session, Chinwe Egwin, Chief Economist, Coronation Merchant Bank noted that the creator economy is an evolving concept that will assist to boost job creation in Nigeria and if properly harnessed will likely compete with the oil industry. “The creator economy is borderless and creators need to seize the opportunities out there to promote their craft. However, to avail themselves of the opportunities, creators must ensure that they build the right structures required for their business to thrive.”

Commenting on how creators can stay ahead of the trends that will continue to shape the creator ecosystem, Frank iTom, Creative Director, Frank iTom Creatives stated that, “Creators need to explore new tools, carve a niche that sets them apart and remain consistent in their craft”. Oluwatobi Ayeni (Miss Techy), Tech Creator, also buttressed by saying that, “As a matter of fact, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to contribute significantly to the creator economy by helping creators create, edit and distribute content online. The possibilities are endless and looking at what the future holds, there will be an increase in competition and strict regulations, so the best time to start creating is now”.

Highlighting the myriad of opportunities that abound for potential and existing creators across Africa, Oluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Communications Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Meta, said “The digital space is constantly changing and as such content creators must also evolve. The Metaverse is one platform that creators can explore to create amazing content and it opens doors to several opportunities for creators to learn and collaborate. Also, Meta has created resources that will enable creators to improve and  monetise their content online.

AfricaNXT 2023, themed “Cooperate. Collaborate. Innovate. Unlocking Our Potential, Ensuring Africa’s Prosperity” is currently in its 11th edition. This year’s conference brings together tech enthusiasts, founders, startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers and a broad range of industry stakeholders to engage in a solution-focused dialogue to chart the path for a sustainable Africa.

The Metaverse was created by a group of developers as an open source platform in 2014. The first version launched in 2015 and since then there have been many updates, including the addition of several languages, new features and more. 

The MVT was originally released in 2015 with a value of $1 but has since increased to over $850 per token. With its unique features and groundbreaking technology, the Metaverse has taken over the world of gaming!

In order to start using the metaverse, you must first purchase some MVT from an exchange such as Binance or Huobi. Once you have acquired your tokens, they can be used within the platform’s ecosystem of applications and games that are built on top of it.

The main way to buy them is through exchanges like Bitfinex or Coinbase Pro which allow users to make direct purchases with fiat currencies such as USD/EURO while also supporting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin & Ethereum through cold storage wallets.

Once purchased, users will have access not only over their own account but also those belonging others within their network connections (which could include friends).

The virtual reality universe allows users to interact with one another through simulated environments. It has been described as a “second generation” of immersive worlds like Second Life or Sansar after having been initially launched by Linden Lab as a standalone product called “Second Life”.

The MVT is still considered one of the most popular digital currencies on the market today and its price continues to rise as more people learn about it.

With its unique features and groundbreaking technology, the Metaverse has taken over the world of gaming

The Metaverse is a virtual world that combines the best features of gaming and the internet. It has taken over the world of gaming, but what else can you do with it?

The unique features of the Metaverse include three-dimensional graphics, high-resolution audio soundtracks, Dolby 5.1 surround sound and full body simulation technology which allows users to walk around in their avatar as they would in real life.

In addition to these amazing qualities, there are also groundbreaking technologies involved in creating this expansive virtual environment including:

Eye tracking sensors so you can see your character from any angle on screen (without having to use an external camera). This means no more clicking through menus or paying attention when playing games!

Motion capture technology used for facial animations (making sure every expression looks perfect).

The Metaverse is still one of the best places to play games in virtual reality!

The online world where users can create their own avatar, avatar clothing and accessories, and even furniture allows you to spend your time in the metaverse playing games with friends or even by yourself.

To answer the question of discussion, the metaverse is still very desirable and the hypes are still on with new discoveries coming up every time.

All these changes are certain to place more demands on the security of various devices and technologies. These are excerpts from Kaspersky ’s Privacy predictions for 2023 report. 

2022 was marked by regulatory activity regarding privacy around the world, targeting both the corporate and private sectors.

Some of the measures tackled commercial surveillance and data security practices that harm consumers, while others dealt with invasive machine learning technologies to further protect sensitive data. However, there are still plenty of privacy issues facing society in the near future, particularly those related to current geopolitical and economic agendas.

This forecast was developed based on the shifts and trends witnessed by Kaspersky’s privacy experts during 2022.

According to the researchers, the big stand-off between various stakeholders in the conversation around privacy and data collection will result in the following tendencies:

1. Internet balkanization will lead to a more diverse (and localised) behaviour tracking market and checks on cross-border data transfer.

Most web pages are crawling with invisible trackers, collecting behavioural data that is further aggregated and used primarily for targeted advertising.

While there are many different companies in the business of behavioural ads, US-based big tech companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Google are the unquestionable leaders. However, in many regions, authorities are becoming increasingly wary of sharing data with foreign companies. That drives businesses to show a preference for local players, which might have various privacy implications.

While big tech companies may spend more on security than the smaller players, even they have their share of data breaches.

A smaller entity might be less interesting for hackers, but it also faces less scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

2. Smartphones will replace more paper documents.

Today smartphones or other devices are widely used as payment methods, making classic plastic debit and credit cards obsolete in some countries. Moreover, smartphones can be used for medical purposes – as proof of vaccination or current COVID-negative health status – or even as a digitised version of an ID card.

The latter may bring both convenience and risks. On the one hand, a properly implemented system could help to deal with daily verification without having to show the cashier the whole document with other details like name or street address.

On the other, using a smartphone to store an increasing amount of personal data creates a single point of failure, raising serious security concerns. This places serious demands on the security of mobile devices and the way data is stored while preserving privacy.

3. Companies will fight the human factor in cybersecurity to curb insider threat and social engineering to protect user data.

As companies deploy increasingly comprehensive cybersecurity measures moving from endpoint protection to XDR (Extended Detection & Response) and even proactive threat hunting, people remain the weakest link.

The misconfiguration of various cloud solutions for data storage is expected to cause fewer data leaks, and more breaches will result from human error. To mitigate these threats, companies might invest in data leak prevention solutions as well as more thorough user education to raise cybersecurity awareness.

4. We will hear more concerns about the privacy of the metaverse – but with smartphones and IoT, aren’t we already in the metaverse?

The amount of data people generate just by making cashless payments and carrying a mobile phone throughout the day is enough to draw the most sensitive conclusions. Smart home devices, smart cities with ubiquitous video surveillance, cars equipped with multiple cameras and further adoption of IoT, as well as continuous digitalisation of services will make personal privacy, at least in cities, a thing of the past. So, while a metaverse promises to bring offline experiences to the online world, the online world is already taking hold of the physical realm.

5. Desperate to stop data leaks, people will get insurance against them.

Living a convenient, modern life comes with a cost to privacy: for example, ordering food or using a ride-hailing service will generate, at the very least, sensitive geodata. However, privacy awareness is growing, and people are starting to take preventive measures to secure their personal accounts and minimise their digital footprint. One way to do that might be to insure oneself against data breaches.

While there are already services that recoup losses in case of identity theft, a larger range of insurance offers in the future is expected to come.

“In 2022, we saw how regulatory activity shifted the global data market towards local players. At the same time, this year was packed with events that showed how consumer data collection can directly impact the relationships between citizens and governments. Moreover, we cannot deny that topics such as the metaverse, AI or machine learning will remain in the spotlight of privacy experts throughout this year. Still, we believe that the geopolitical and economic events of 2022, as well as new technological trends, will be the main factors influencing the privacy landscape in 2023,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, privacy expert at Kaspersky.

At its most basic definition, the metaverse is the internet gone three-dimensional.

The word itself was first created by sci-fi author Neal Stephenson in 1992 who, with alarming foresight, wrote about a dystopian future where people escaped into a virtual world, accessed with goggles. 

The metaverse has been reimagined many times in the three decades since, but Stephenson gave me the best definition of what it is right now: “It’s a virtual environment where large numbers of people can get together and interact with each other, through avatars. Right now, it’s at that stage where people are pouring their hopes and dreams and ambitions into it.”

Second Life is the oldest metaverse platform, created in 1999. Its founder Philip Rosedale has been pondering the question of privacy since its inception, “The most dangerous thing that you could do in a metaverse is to enable surveillance and behavioural tracking and targeting and advertisement in the way that we’ve seen in social media. The virtual experience will be extremely dangerous and harmful to people, as we’ve already seen with social media.”

Instead of making money from advertisements and user data, Second Life generates revenue through the sale of virtual goods and services.

Rosedale says that one of his biggest concerns is how future metaverse platforms generate money, “It has to be a business model that doesn’t include surveillance, targeting and advertisement.”

It’s a shared concern for many, and a rational one given the biggest social media company in the world is staking their future on the metaverse, it’s even changed its name to Meta.

Andrew Bosworth is the CTO, he joined the company formerly known as Facebook in its infancy and is adamant that Meta can be trusted to forge this new generation of the internet, “We’ve talked about this a lot. Frankly, there’s no one who’s investing more, in privacy and data security. Nobody is more focused on this problem than Meta.”

He admits though, it’ll take time to convince people, “It’s going to take a long time for consumers to see that value, to understand that, to believe that, and that’s what you expect. Trust arrives on foot and leaves on horseback.”

How the vast volumes of user data generated by the metaverse is used is one concern. Another is protecting users from hate speech, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. 

If the companies buying the metaverse fail to self-regulate themselves, then governments may have to step in and write the rule book, but that won’t be easy.

According to Dr Jane Thomason, a futurist and author on digital ethics, regulators aren’t ready, “Typically, regulation has been done on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, and yet, some of these metaverses will be multi-jurisdictional, or even virtual, with no particular geography.”  

“It feels like the Wild West at the moment.”

By 2026 a quarter of us will spend at least one hour a day in the metaverse for work, shopping, education or socialising, according to consulting company Gartner.

The evidence suggests that’s possible, not least if you consider a game like Fortnite is effectively a metaverse using the broadest definition, and, following the pandemic years of video conference and the confutation of WFH, a better virtual work meeting experience might be a logical next step.

Evangelists for the metaverse believe it will fundamentally change the way we do things, it’s just hard to pin down the how and the what.

“This doesn’t just change individual lives, it changes society,” says Meta’s Andrew Bosworth.

“We have collective access to the entirety of human talent, not just human talent lucky to be born in certain places, which has been the reality. This technology starts with something trivial like virtual bowling, and ends with an entirely different outlook on society.”

The metaverse is still evolving, even the definition of the word is changing. What remains to be seen is exactly what part people in the real world will play in its future.

About the writer:

Anna Stewart is a CNN reporter and host of Decoded which airs on CNN International.